The Masonic Lodge is a fraternal organization. The brotherhood reportedly dates back to the days of actual masons who worked on the chapels of Europe. In the 1600′s and 1700′s membership was opened up to men who weren’t, by trade, masons which began the term “Freemasons”. Masonry, and Freemasons, have had an important role in the history of America. Today it is a several million member brotherhood with members spread all over the world. The aim of masonry is to increase brotherly love among its members and fellow man and to protect the wives, widows, and orphans of brother masons. It has been said that masonry “takes good men and makes them better”. Masons work to better their character through charitable and philanthropic activities in the community. Here is a video that provides an in-depth look into Masonry and its members by none other than our brother and forefather, Benjamin Franklin:
Thanks to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts for the making of the above video.
Masons also live by a basic set of principles, as summarized by John J. Robinson in A Pilgrim’s Path, 1993:
Every Freemason asserts his belief in God, and in the immortality of the soul.
A Freemason believes that how he worships God is his own business, and how every other Mason worships God is his own business. Accordingly, Masons believe fervently in freedom of religion.
Freemasonry offers no pathway to salvation. That must be sought and found in a Mason’s own place of worship, which he is encouraged to attend and to support.
Because religion and politics are so often used to drive men apart, they may not be discussed in any Masonic lodge.
Freemasonry seeks to give men of all creeds a way to meet in brotherhood and mutual respect, to join together in common causes to benefit those in need.
If a Mason’s own religious beliefs require of him a voluntary life of caring and sharing, of attention to the needs of the less fortunate, Freemasonry offers a variety of charitable outlets to satisfy his compassion. To that extent, Masonry strives to be the ideal partner of any moral religion.
A Mason must never put his duties and responsibilities to Masonry ahead of his duties and responsibilities to his family, to his God, or to his country.
There are many good sources of information about the masonic lodge, both on the internet and in print. Here are some trustworthy links that shed more light on the masonic brotherhood.
Informational Websites
Iowa Masonic Grand Lodge: http://grandlodgeofiowa.org/
Iowa Grand Lodge About Masonry and The Path to Membership
The Masonic Trowel (online books about masonry): http://www.themasonictrowel.com/masonic_books_online.htm
Freemasonry Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasonry
Books on Masonry
The Pilgram’s Path. John J. Robinson, 1993
Freemasons for Dummies. Christopher Hodapp 32°, 2005
American Freemasons: three centuries of building communities. Mark A. Tabbert, 2005
